Intraoperative real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of right atrial tumor

Abstract

Right atrial myxomas are uncommon heart tumors that can simulate nonspecific symptoms, such as fever, paroxysmal palpitations, chronic anemia, weight loss, and may escape timely diagnosis until the development of severe complications due to embolism. We present a patient with a history of palpitations. In search for the source of palpitations, a 2D transthoracic echocardiography was performed, showing a right atrial mass. Real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3DTEE) was performed intraoperative and demonstrated very accurate information about the size and the morphology of the tumor. This is the first case report of a right atrial myxoma visualized intraoperatively by RT3DTEE. © 2008, the Authors.